The Markle Family
Thinking of you at this time, condolences to all . Sounds like Judy has left her mark on the world and will be remembered by many. May you find comfort in your many memories !
OATWAY, Judith Ann
1941 - 2025
Judith Ann Oatway
1941 – 2025
A gifted teacher, voracious reader, lifelong learner, and general force to be reckoned with, Judith Ann (Judy) Oatway of Ottawa died on July 8, 2025.
Judy was born in Orillia, Ontario, to Lewis and Edna Oatway and raised in the four-generation home on Coldwater Road that the family shared with her paternal grandparents (Oatways) and great grandparents (Pearsalls).
The summers of her youth were spent with friends on the beach of Lake Couchiching. Inspired by Marilyn Bell, Judy would swim across the bay and back on weekends.
She attended Orillia District Collegiate before studying at the Ottawa Teacher’s College.
She is survived by brother, Richard Oatway, of Oro-Medonte (Shelagh Oatway). Judy is predeceased by brothers Jack Oatway (Sharon) of Beaver Lake, Bill Oatway (Lori) of Hillsdale, and Lewis Oatway (Rita) of South Africa.
Judy married Bernard Markle in 1961 and together they raised four children: Karen Markle of Kemptville (Rudy Haveman), Ted Markle of Oro-Medonte (Susan Brooker), and Laura Markle of Halifax (Rick Coughlan). She is predeceased by son Jeff Markle of Waterloo (Sheri Markle).
The family was raised in Kitchener and thanks to her passionate belief in the importance of education, Judy enrolled her children at K-W Bilingual School, where she was a respected primary teacher. Judy’s morning routine of marshalling the kids in preparation for the school day while having her cup of coffee with sugar and Carnation Milk plus a du Maurier cigarette was legendary.
Judy will be fondly remembered as Nana, or Pineapple, by her grandchildren: Leigh Nunan of Thunder Bay, Danielle Nunan of Ottawa, Katy Nunan of Port Perry, Erin Markle of Waterloo, Ben Markle of Waterloo, Simon Lyon of Lethbridge, AB, Carrie Poulin-Markle of Longueil, QC, and Louis Poulin-Markle of Gatineau, QC. She is predeceased by granddaughter Christal Poulin-Markle of Chambly, QC. Her great grandchildren are Claire and Zack Lyon of Lethbridge, AB, Océanne Drapeau-Morissette of Chambly, QC, and Finnegan Selles of Port Perry and Raphäel, Denovan and Kessey of Longueil, QC.
Judy best expressed her attention and affection by purchasing or creating thoughtful Christmas gifts for the members of her clan. She did this throughout the year, collecting and concocting beautiful, personalized packages for each. Some of the most treasured gifts among the grandchildren were matching nighties and teddy bears called Remembears.
In her 60’s, Judy wrote a new chapter in her life, moving to Montreal where she attended Concordia University completing a Bachelor of Arts and two Masters degrees in Theological Studies. She took a particular interest in the confluence of art and worship.
It was at this time, that Judy finally quit smoking and invested the lucrative dividend in books. Her collection mushroomed and, in time, Judy’s grandchildren remarked that her apartment looked and felt like a Victorian library,
She then courageously embarked on 2 cycles as a visiting lecturer at Bishop Okullu College of Theology in Kenya where she met dear friend, Father Wilfred Alero. Her classes focussed on artistic expressions of the gospel, and she oversaw outreach projects including the creation of a stunning 13-panel altar piece by the widows of Bwaja, a local rural community that had been ravaged by HIV/AIDS. The theological college in Rorya, Tanzania, was one of the other beneficiaries of her efforts. Water systems provide safe clean water for the community to this day. Judy loved her time in Kenya and regretted that her health prevented her from returning a third time.
Judy will be remembered as a lover of ideas, a passionate debater, an advocate for social justice, and as a person who was sure to get things done. If Judy took on a project – you had better get on board or get out of the way!
A celebration of life will be held towards the end of the summer - date and location to be determined.
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